Introduction
When you return to Estero this winter, or you’re a full-time resident, you’ll notice a lot of “dirt moving” and some big developments starting to take shape along US-41 and Via Coconut. Here’s an overview of the major projects, in everyday language you can share with neighbors at the pool or in your community clubhouse.
These and more developments are summarized in the Sept. 2025 Greater Estero Community Report.
North of Broadway on US-41 (East Side)
Just north of Broadway on the east side of US-41, the cleared land marks the beginning of a new FL Star residential community. The current plan includes three mid-rise buildings with about 100 homes each, along with ten townhomes — approximately 310 residences in total. Two of the main buildings will be “mixed-use,” featuring small shops or services on the ground floor and homes above. Later phases are expected to add a pool, pocket park, and pickleball courts. The previous “Downtown Estero” branding has been dropped, so expect a neighborhood that’s comfortable and village-style, rather than a large urban center.
Northwest Corner of US-41 & Coconut Road: Woodfield Estero
On the prominent northwest corner of US-41 and Coconut, the former Lee Health property is now “Woodfield Estero,” a major mixed-use development on about 45 acres. Phase One has already begun, with utilities, stormwater systems, grading, and landscaping in progress. When fully built out, plans include up to 596 residences, extensive retail and dining areas, office spaces, a 260-room hotel, and a central civic or community building, all connected by parks and plazas. The design will feature Spanish Colonial Revival elements, with buildings ranging from two to four stories, a pedestrian-friendly “restaurant row,” parking hidden from view, and a large preserve area buffering the west and north edges. It’s clearly on its way to becoming a place where you might eventually go for dinner, a stroll, or an event.
Via Coconut Mixed-Use (West Side of Genova)
Across from Genova on the west side of Via Coconut, a new 20-acre mixed-use development is underway. When finished, it will feature about 330 apartments, nearly 30,000 square feet of retail space for shops, services, and restaurants, along with a 10,000-square-foot church. The plan also includes a one-acre public park donated to the Village, plus a dog park, lakes, a multi-use path, and a small fishing pier. It’s expected it to be finished and ready to enjoy in 2026. This season, construction will be visible along Via Coconut, revealing the early layout of what will become a walkable, “Main Street-style” area serving nearby communities, visitors to the Sports Park, and Coconut Point.
Sports & Recreation Area Along Via Coconut
Between Williams Road and Via Coconut, the Village is assembling about 100 acres into a large sports and recreation complex. This includes land the Village already owns, a long-term lease of over 50 acres from Estero High School, and more than 25 acres purchased from Lee County. An early key tenant is High 5 Entertainment, which plans to include outdoor and indoor pickleball courts, bowling and duckpin lanes, 36 holes of mini-golf, bocce, axe throwing, laser tag, an arcade, and a full-service restaurant and bar. The main entrance to the park will shift from Corkscrew Road to Via Coconut, changing traffic patterns into the site. The Village anticipates about a five-year construction timeline, with a major milestone marked by High 5’s expected opening in fall 2026. During this season, you’ll see extensive site work, emerging courts and fields, and a reoriented entrance off Via Coconut — it will appear busy and incomplete now, but it promises a full sports and entertainment district ahead.
Estero River Park (Formerly “Estero on the River”)
At the northeast corner of US-41 and Corkscrew, the Village-owned 64-acre site is now officially Estero River Park. A key decision has already been made about 30 acres south of the Estero River are now permanently protected as environmental land, with no future commercial development allowed. Phase One focuses on creating a passive, natural park experience rather than a heavily built-up facility. That includes an access drive and parking (about 85 spaces) off Highlands Avenue, an Old Florida-style restroom building, a new bridge over the river, ADA-accessible walking paths using porous materials, and decorative fencing along US-41 and Corkscrew The southern portion preserves mature trees, wetlands, gopher tortoise habitat, and an eagle nest, so you should expect a very “natural Florida” feel rather than a manicured city park. This season, you’re likely to see work on parking, fencing, and the bridge. The early stages of a shaded, quiet place to walk, bird-watch, and briefly forget you’re right next to one of Estero’s busiest intersections.
HCA’s “Northpoint” Property North of Hertz
On the east side of US-41 just north of the Hertz building, HCA Healthcare owns a prominent parcel of land that originally measured about 100 acres. HCA has sold off part of it, and the current understanding is that they will likely retain a section of the northern area for a medical complex, while the rest could be developed by others. There is no confirmed, approved hospital plan at this time. Village officials have emphasized that any development must be high-quality and visually appealing, especially given the site’s visibility along 41. You may hear discussions of a “Mercato-style” mixed-use concept, but nothing is final yet. For now, it’s mostly a “wait and see” situation: land remains in a holding pattern as plans and negotiations unfold behind the scenes.
Full Report on all Developments in Greater Estero
If you are interested in the complete details of all developments in the Greater Estero area have been compiled in an on-line document that can be reviewed on our website.
View the content as a webpage at: https://esterotoday.com/development-summary/ or
Related Articles by Engage Estero
Real Estate Shifts in Estero – What the Latest Numbers Mean to You
Real Estate Shifts in EsteroWhat the latest numbers mean to you. If you’ve been watching the local housing market, you’ve noticed some changes, and the latest report from FGCU’s Regional Economic Research Institute confirms it: The real estate “winds” are...
Government Lite and the Village’s Use of the Construction Manager At Risk (CMAR) Contracting
Government Lite and the Village's Use of the Construction Manager At Risk (CMAR) ContractingIn 2013, as Estero prepared to become a municipality, many felt the Village should be run differently than others in Southwest Florida. According to its website, the Village of...
Written by
Terry Flanagan
Vice President of Administration
Barry Freedman
Vice President of Development
Be Informed,
Get Engaged,
and Make an Impact!
At Engage Estero, we believe in the power of community. As a nonpartisan, nonpolitical, nonprofit, we conduct evidence-based research to provide unbiased information about local issues, helping you improve your quality of life.